Vision, Fundraising and Seeing with New Eyes

I remember the day like it was yesterday.  It was a 100 plus degree day in the Galilee and our student educational tour had just arrived at a newly opened site by the name of Magdala.  Not long into our time at Magdala the guide led us down a staircase to the original street uncovered from 1^st century times.  As I stood on this newly uncovered first-century street, my eyes were struck by the above picture depicting the healing of the women touching the hem of Jesus garment in Luke chapter 8.  The picture, extremely powerful, became even more significant when the guide shared historical evidence suggesting that this very miracle happened on the street where we stood.  It was surreal to say the least. Later that day, I was brought face to face with a modern version of this work through Nazareth Hospital.

“Healing in the name of Jesus since 1865.”  This is the vision statement for Nazareth Hospital, located just 22 miles from Magdala.  Nazareth Hospital (https://nazarethtrust.org/), a Scottish Mission started in the mid-1800’s, is a modern-day representation
capturing the same mission of God taking place on this street in Magdala nearly 2000 years later.  The trademark of any healthcare professional is caring for all equally, no matter age, race, ethnicity or nationality.  Nazareth Hospital captures this mission well, serving Arabs, Jews, Palestinians and the Druze people. As COVID 19 swept across the Middle East in early 2020, the pastoral care team, alongside key professionals, cared for the souls of many patients and
health care workers on the front lines.

For many years, I travelled to the Middle East equipping and developing future leaders for the church - it was a gift.   This year, I will be travelling to the Middle East in late October for the purpose of raising funds to support and expand the pastoral care team serving on the front line at Nazareth Hospital. On my previous trips I rode in air-conditioned coach buses.  This time, I will be on my mountain bike riding nearly 300 kilometres in participation of the Nazareth Challenge fundraising ride.  To see my full itinerary, feel free to click here.

https://nazarethproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Cycle-Itinerary-2022_Oct.pdf   

As I prepare for the Nazareth Challenge (Three Seas Challenge), I’d like to invite each of you to consider partnering with me in two ways. 
First and foremost, through prayer support.  Please pray for my physical conditioning, that I would see with new eyes, that my soul would be deepened in new ways, and for the overall work of the Nazareth Pastoral Care team.  Second, I’d like to invite each of you to
consider giving towards the $2700 goal I’ve set towards supporting the Nazareth Hospital Pastoral Care team.  If led to
give, know all moneys will go directly to the Nazareth Trust and for the advancement and growth of this Pastoral Team serving in Nazareth.  All additional costs related to this project will be taken care of by Naomi and me. To support this project financially or to stay up to date for prayer support, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rick-rhoads

Just like 2000 years ago when the women reached through the crowd to touch the hem of His cloak, I sense this team has and will continue to touch many souls during a time of physical need.

Blessings, Rick